Aluminum Cladding Supplied by Suntech Architectural Products, Hong Kong

 
The West Kowloon Cultural District (WKCD) in Hong Kong is a vibrant cultural hub designed to foster the development of arts and culture. Spanning 40 hectares of reclaimed land, WKCD aims to provide a world-class environment for artistic expression and cultural exchange. Among its many venues, the Xiqu Center stands out as a beacon of traditional Chinese performing arts, particularly Cantonese opera and other regional forms of xiqu.
 
General Project Design
The Xiqu Center, designed by Revery Architecture in collaboration with Ronald Lu & Partners, is a state-of-the-art performance venue dedicated to promoting the rich heritage of xiqu. The seven-story building houses a 1,075-seat Grand Theatre, a 200-seat Tea House Theatre, rehearsal spaces, educational facilities, and retail and dining areas3. The design of the Xiqu Center is inspired by the concept of "qi" (flow), which is expressed through its curvilinear paths, forms, and arched entrances. The building's layout revolves around a multi-level circular atrium, creating a dynamic public realm that invites visitors to explore and engage with the space3.
 
External Facade and Cladding System
One of the most striking features of the Xiqu Center is its dramatic curvilinear facade, which reinterprets the traditional Chinese Moon Gate motif. The facade is designed to resemble a lantern shimmering behind a beaded stage curtain, creating a captivating visual effect4. The cladding system comprises a modular arrangement of scaled fins CNC-cut from untreated marine-grade aluminum pipes. These fins are arrayed in alternating patterns along the building, creating a rippling effect that evokes the swaying folds of performers' costumes4.
    The facade's woven metal panels are gently pulled back at all four corners of the building, radiating light to the exterior and enticing visitors to enter the interior courtyard. This design not only enhances the building's aesthetic appeal but also promotes natural ventilation and energy efficiency4. The facade's multidimensional effect is achieved through the use of 3D modeling software, which optimized the fin geometry to create sinuous curves that undulate across the theater surface.
    
In conclusion, the Xiqu Center in Hong Kong's West Kowloon Cultural District is a testament to the harmonious blend of traditional Chinese culture and contemporary architectural design. Its innovative facade and cladding system, inspired by the concept of "qi," create a visually stunning and environmentally sustainable performance venue that celebrates the rich heritage of xiqu while providing a dynamic space for cultural exchange and artistic expression.
    The Xiqu Center in the West Kowloon Cultural District officially opened its doors to the public on January 20, 20192. The grand opening was marked by a performance of the Cantonese opera classic, "The Reincarnation of Red Plum," curated by renowned Cantonese opera veteran Dr. Pak Suet-sin.